"Although Felix did not finish as high as we would have liked, this was a great experience for him," said Auburn head coach Peter Watson. "Now he has his first championship under his belt and he can build on that."

Kiboiywo, who entered the championship as the South Region Champion and Athlete of the Year, ran the 10K in 31:12.3. He is the first Auburn male to run in the championship since Chris Walsh in 2004.

"He had a fantastic season and he did something that no one else at Auburn has done by winning the regional title," Watson said.